The Anglo-Maratha Wars: British Conquest and the Fall of Maratha Power

The Anglo-Maratha Wars were a series of conflicts between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. These wars arose from disputes over succession to the Peshwa’s throne and British ambitions for territorial expansion.

A Historical Overview: The Anglo-Maratha Wars 

1. First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782)

• Cause: Dispute over successions to the Peshwaship after the death of Narayan Rao; 
  • Raghunath Rao, or Raghoba, wanted to get the Peshwaship, which was opposed by Nana Fadnavis of Pune. 
• Appeal to the British for Support: Having failed in his bid to capture power, Raghoba appealed to the Britishers for support. 
  • The Company administration in Bombay supported Ragunath Rao in return for getting Salsette and Bassein
• Concessions to the British: With pro-British shifts by Mahadaji Scindia (Maratha Statesman) and the Bhonsle of Nagpur, the Marathas conceded Thane and Salsette to the British.
  • The 1782 Treaty of Salbai pensioned off Raghunath Rao, ensuing peace between the Company and the Marathas for approximately two decades.

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2. Second Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782)

• Causes of the War: The 1802 Treaty of Bassein made Peshwa Baji Rao II a subsidiary ally of the EIC.
  • The EIC supported Rao’s restoration to power in exchange for his allegiance and a pension.
  • The rulers of Gwalior and Indore also signed subsidiary alliances with the EIC.
• Maratha Resistance: Two Maratha rulers, Daulat Rao Sindhia and Raghuji Bhonsle II, decided to fight for their independence.
  • Yaswant Rao Holkar remained neutral, hoping to take advantage of the weakened parties after a long conflict.
• Major Battles: The Battle of Assaye in 1803 saw General Sir Arthur Wellesley masterminding a victory for the EIC over the Maratha army of Daulat Rao Sindhia.
  • Another decisive victory for the EIC occurred at the Battle of Laswari in November 1803, led by General Gerard Lake.
  • The EIC took over Delhi and its surrounding territory after these battles.
• Consequences: The Maratha Confederacy suffered significant losses and became weakened.
  • Hindu princes were forced to follow EIC policies, and a permanent EIC resident was stationed with Indian troops.
  • Despite minor Maratha successes, such as the defense of Bhurtpore, the Maratha Confederacy was greatly diminished.

3. Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1819)

• Escape and Escalating Tensions: The escape of the imprisoned Trimbakji, aided by Peshwa, and conspiracies within the Maratha confederacy increased tensions between Britishers and the Peshwa. 
• Coercion and New Treaty: In 1817, the British coerced Peshwa into a new treaty, leading him to relinquish his headship and cede territories of Konkan to the British and recognise the independence of the Gaikwad, escalating his animosity. 
• Coercion and New Treaty: Amidst British engagements with the Pindaris, the Peshwa retaliated, attacking the British Residency in Poona. 
  • Subsequent defeats in battles at Ashta, Kirkee, and Korgaon led  Baji Rao II to eventually surrender to Elphinstone in 1818.

4. The outcome of the Third Anglo-Maratha War

• Abolition of Peshwai and Annexation: The British abolished the Peshwai and annexed the Peshwa’s territories, dissolving the Maratha Confederacy (comprising Bhonsle, Holkar and Scindia) established by Baji Rao I. 
  • However, the jagirs of the fief holders were reinstated. 
• Fate of Baji Rao II: Baji Rao II remained a captive until his death in 1851, receiving an annual pension. 
• Establishment of Pratap Singh as Ruler: Pratap Singh, a descendent of Shivaji, was established as the ruler of a truncated kingdom around Satara, and Mountstuart Elphinstone, the former Resident at Poona, assumed the role of Governor of Bombay.

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Conclusion

Ultimately, the Third Anglo-Maratha War marked the end of Maratha power and the establishment of British dominance in India. The wars resulted in the dissolution of the Maratha Confederacy, the abolition of the Peshwai, and the annexation of Maratha territories by the British.

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